Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms in patients with vaginismus referred to a private psychiatric clinic in Tehran (2001-2002)

Authors
Masoumeh Amin Esmaeli
Mahyar Azar
Changiz Iranpour
Department of Psychiatric, Imam Hossein Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Medical Science University, & Health Services University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Sexual behavior as a response to biological instinct is essential for survival, and affects ones’ satisfaction from marital life. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction reaches 30-50% in both sexes. It can be of adverse consequences on the couples’ life. Vaginismus is one of the frequently observed sexual dysfunctions in women. It is accompanied by anxiety, phobia and avoidance reactions. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety features in patients suffering from vaginismus. Symptom check list-90 questionnaire was given to 27 patients diagnosed as vaginismus by Gynecologist referred to in a private psychiatric clinic. “Generalized anxiety, phobia and obsession-compulsion” subscales of SCL-90 questionnaire were particularly investigated. Data were analyzed by Chi-Square and Fisher’s exact tests. According to SCL-90 scores, 13 patients (48.1%) suffered from generalized anxiety, 10 patient (37%) from phobia and 19 patient (70.4%) from obsession-compulsion symptoms. The results were consistent with those of other studies on this subject. Integrated approach to vaginismus consisting of both psycho therapy and pharmacotherapy is there fore recommended.
Keywords
Generalized anxiety
Obsession
compulsion
Phobia
Sexual dysfunction
Vaginismus
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Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 4, Issue 2
Spring 2003
Pages 156-163